A site devoted to a mixed bag of topics, with an emphasis on professional and amateur sports in Regina, Saskatchewan. We also preview the weekly lineup of guests for the Locker Talk on Access 7 tv sports talk show.

Monday, May 31, 2010

I think Chad Lang will do a fine job as the general manager of the Regina Pats. And yes, I suspect changes are on the way in the hockey operations department.

The people reacting negatively to Lang's hiring are likely the same ones who panned the hirings of Kent Austin, Ken Miller and Jim Hopson by the Riders. So, there goes the credibility of those critics.

Rider training camp is only a few short days away. Most the attention will focus on the competition to replace John Chick and Stevie Baggs at defensive end.

I honestly don't know which quarterback will emerge from training camp as #2 on the depth chart.

If I had to guess, I'd say Ryan Dinwiddie, based on his previous CFL experience and his previous working relationship with new offensive coordinator Doug Berry in Winnipeg.

If I've learned one thing in the previous two weeks, it is that I know nothing about dogs! A big thank you to blog reader Bev for her guidance and support - it is very much appreciated!

Having said that, it doesn't appear that Dexter the dog will die of starvation or loneliness anytime soon! He's been quite a fine addition to our little Paczko clan. Not, if he would only stop confusing the area rug for a toilet...

The J-man's baseball season hopefully resumes tonight, with a tilt against the Tigers.

Thankfully the lousy weather prevented me from having to temporarily take on the head coaching duties on Saturday. Nothing good would have come from that!

You know, if the Chicago Blackhawks keep playing like this, I may have to consider permanently moving them ahead of the Leafs on my personal pecking order.

Who would you pick as the Conn Smythe (playoff MVP) winner on the Hawks? I'd have to think Toews is the front-runner, but a case could also be made for Byfuglien, Keith or even Niemi (but not if he keeps giving up five goals a game!).

Friday, May 28, 2010

Apparently "not too much longer" (see below) means this afternoon! The Regina Pats have called a news conference for 3 p.m., at which time it's expected the team will introduce former Moose Jaw Warrior general manager Chad Lang as the Pats new GM.

No Cheers and Jeers yesterday. I thought it might be bad karma to trash anyone on my birthday.

A thumbs up for Speedy Auto Glass on south Albert. They fixed the stone chip in my windshield quickly and very effectively. And SGI was kind enough to pay for it!

Every trip to Saskatoon (in spite of the chipped windshield) is made better by a stop at Fuddruckers. You just can't go wrong with two kinds of melted cheese.

Other than using the area rug in the living room as a toilet, Dexter the dog is adapting to life at the Paczko estate nicely.

At last count, he's done #2 once outside and inside the house three times since he's been with us. This is not a good ratio.

I thought Johnny Quinn was a pretty decent receiver for the Riders last year. Apparently the Riders thought differently!

Nine days until training camp starts. Can't wait!

It shouldn't be too much longer until the Regina Pats name their new general manager. No offense to ex-Warriors boss Chad Lang, who is still considered the front-runner, but I'm intriqued by the mention of Al Murray as a candidate.

The Major A Twins have an interim head coach (me) and a doubleheader tomorrow. Pray for rain!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Labour peace in the CFL, as the league and the player's union have reached a tentative contract agreement. Here's the story from the Canadian Press:

TORONTO -- The CFL and its players' association have reached a tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement, avoiding a potential lockout this season.

The deal still needs to be ratified by the players and the league's board of governors.The current deal expires at the end of the month. With negotiations not going well, there had been talk in the off-season of a possible lockout.

According to a statement from the CFL on Wednesday, the new agreement includes a drug testing policy but no details will be released until the deal is ratified. No other details from the agreement were released in the statement.

Labour issues are rare in the CFL. In years when the two sides couldn't get a deal done before the expiration of the previous one, they've operated under the terms of the old CBA until a new one was reached.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Here is how this week's show has shaped up. SportZone airs tonight at 9 p.m., Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on Access channel 7 in Regina. Possibly even Emerald Park. Yes, the empire is expanding!

Trust me, the segment with the Muellers (Marc and Larry) is must-see tv! Those two should be on stage somewhere!

SportZone trivia: How many Grey Cups has Cal Murphy won over the course of his CFL career? Send us your answer for a chance to win TWO free pizzas from Panago, and two tickets to Kings Park Speedway. What a deal!

Monday, May 17, 2010

A random collection of thoughts, guaranteed to stimulate the senses and titillate the masses:

Rod Pedersen's new daily sports talk show debuts this afternoon on 620 CKRM. Good luck with the new adventure, Rod!

Interesting that there's no announcement on CKRM's own website, but those folks have always been a little "challenged" when it comes to self-promotion.

Rod's foray into sports talk radio also means the end of his tenure as the play-by-play voice of the Regina Pats. I imagine there will be one or two applicants for that gig!

Regina sports fans can now listen to sports talk radio shows from 4-9 pm every night (Monday to Friday). CKRM's new show is on from 4-6 pm, followed by Rawlco's show from 6-8 pm. And CJME also carries the syndicated Prime Time Sports show out of Toronto from 8-9 pm.

And of course there's the world-renowned (granted, it's a small world) SportZone television sports talk program on Access channel 7 every week. Let's not forget about that!

POP! Was that the sound of the Montreal Canadians' (and Jaroslav Halak's) bubble bursting?

Wanna bet both NHL conference finals are over in fewer than six games?

The Boston Celtics may still have some life left in those old legs after all! Go green!

Speaking of green-clad teams, the Riders' first exhibition game is now only 27 sleeps away.

Winter is over for another year, which is good. However, yardwork has started - which is . . . less good.

I'm officially past the halfway point in the Running Room's Learn to Run program, and am still alive. Who woulda thunk it?

Kings Park Speedway - the new board has some very exciting ideas/plans. I think it's worth checking out a race or two this summer.

Jeers

Saskatoon SPCA - Pretty much the polar opposite of New Hope. These people can't even be bothered to respond to an email (x2)!

The p.o.s. City of Regina worker who was blocking the right hand lane on Broad Street in front of the downtown Tim Horton's this morning. This tool was parked in his city-issued truck, scarfing down coffee and a donut (go figure!), right in front of a sign that clearly indicates there is no stopping in that lane from 7-8:30 am. And, he has the audacity (while in his city-issued truck, remember), to flip some other driver (not me) the bird!

People who can't wrap their heads around why it might take more than an hour or two to craft a ten minute speech. Without any background information. Oy!

SportZone trivia: Who did the Notre Dame Hounds beat in the final of the Telus Cup (midget AAA hockey) tournament?Send us your answer and contact info for a chance to win a free pizza from Panago, and two free tickets to Kings Park Speedway!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Old pal Rod Pedersen has driven the MBMs into a frenzy with a remark about the future of Regina sports radio on his blog today. Attaboy!

I know what the big announcement is, but I've been sworn to secrecy! Although I can say that anyone hoping for Rod's departure from the local airwaves will be disappointed.

Actually, I guess there are two announcements coming. Stay tuned!

Big changes are supposedly coming to SportZone by this fall. I look forward to finding out what that means.

I wonder how the search for a new Regina Pats general manager is going. And I wonder how much free reign the successful candidate will be given over the hockey operations department.

I ran my baseball coaching record to 1-0 on the season in yesterday's Major A Twins victory. I suppose I should retire now!

I'm sure the presence of the J-man on the bench (still on injured reserve after his surgery) helped inspire the troops to victory.

It looks as though the Paczko boys have been approved for dog ownership. I wonder how our crotchety old (he's 16) cat will respond? Should be fun.

Is tonight the night the season ends for the Montreal Canadians? A guy can hope, can't he?

Will San Jose's bubble burst in the next round, or are the Sharks the real deal this year?

$50 for one of the new Saskatchewan Roughrider licence plates from SGI. I guess you know what you can get me for my birthday now.

You didn't forget to call your mom yesterday, did you?

Any fans of morning cardio workouts around here? Is it true working out first thing in the morning trims more fat than doing cardio later in the day?

All that huffing and puffing on the treadmill this morning will be offset by a trip to WestSide Pizza with the boy tonight. But, it's a promise I made when he was in the hospital two weeks ago, so it has to be done.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Regina Pats' General Manager Brent Parker will turn the reins over to someone else. Parker announced at a news conference this afternoon that he is stepping down as the Pats' G.M., and the process to find a replacement starts immediately.

However, and let's be clear about this, BP will still very much be involved with the Pats, although he'll concentrate on the business side of the operation. At least that's what the new G.M. will likely be hoping! Time will tell...

Thursday, May 06, 2010

The Regina Pats have called a news conference for tomorrow afternoon. They aren't releasing any details, other than to say Russ and Brent Parker will be there, as will the coaching staff. I wonder what the big announcement is? I have a hunch, but I'd rather wait to find out for sure.

SportZone trivia: Who did the Pilot Butte Storm lose to in the Prairie Junior Hockey League (junior B) final? Send us your answer, and your contact information, for a chance to win a free pizza from Panago!